Initialization methods and associated controller, memory device and host

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method performed by a secure digital (SD) card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) mode for initializing the SD card. The method comprises: (a) after receiving a first supply voltage through a first voltage supply pin from a host coupled to the SD card, entering the SD mode if the SD card is not in the PCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is received through a command pin from the host coupled to the SD card; and (b) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, performing a PCIe linkup process if the SD card is not in the SD mode and a second supply voltage is received through a second voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card. The SD card enters the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup process succeeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for a memory device and arelated controller, memory device and host, and more particularly, to aninitialization method for a memory device and a related controller,memory device and host.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Along with the widespread use of digital communication devices orelectronic devices for processing video data and/or music data, and theuniversalization of IA (Internet Appliance) products, various types ofstorage devices for storing digital data have been developed. Memorycards have become the mainstream product in the market because of theadvantages of compact volume, low power consumption and large storagecapability. The memory cards are quite suitable for use in various typesof hosts/devices/systems, such as digital cameras, digital videocameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA)or global positioning system (GPS) devices.

Secure digital (SD) cards are popular memory cards in the market. Sincethe amount of data transmission has increased significantly in recentyears, new transmission buses supporting higher speeds, such asperipheral component interconnect express (PCIe) buses, are used in SDcards to replace traditional SD buses. Therefore, there is a need toprovide SD cards which can operate in either an SD mode or a PCIe mode,and there is also a need to provide initialization methods for such SDcards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hence, one objective of the present invention is to provide aninitialization method capable of initializing an SD card which supportsboth an SD transmission mode and a PCIe transmission mode, and providerelated SD cards, controllers of the SD cards and hosts.

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method performed by asecure digital (SD) card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheralcomponent interconnect express (PCIe) mode for initializing the SD card.The SD card comprises at least 17 pins for coupling to a host. The atleast 17 pins comprises: a first voltage supply pin for receiving afirst supply voltage provided by the host; a second voltage supply pinfor receiving a second supply voltage provided by the host, wherein thesecond supply voltage is lower than the first supply voltage; at leastone ground pin for coupling to a ground; at least one clock pin forreceiving a clock signal from the host; and a command pin for receivinga command from the host. The method comprises: (a) after receiving thefirst supply voltage through the first voltage supply pin from the hostcoupled to the SD card, entering the SD mode if the SD card is not inthe PCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is receivedthrough the command pin from the host coupled to the SD card; and (b)after receiving the first supply voltage through the first voltagesupply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, performing a PCIelinkup process if the SD card is not in the SD mode and the secondsupply voltage is received through the second voltage supply pin fromthe host coupled to the SD card. The SD card enters the PCIe mode if thePCIe linkup process succeeds.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an SD cardsupporting both an SD mode and a PCIe mode. The SD card comprises atleast 17 pins for coupling to a host and a controller. The at least 17pins comprises a first voltage supply pin for receiving a first supplyvoltage provided by the host; a second voltage supply pin for receivinga second supply voltage provided by the host, wherein the second supplyvoltage is lower than the first supply voltage; at least one ground pinfor coupling to a ground; at least one clock pin for receiving a clocksignal from the host; and a command pin for receiving a command from thehost. The controller is configured to: after receiving the first supplyvoltage through the first voltage supply pin from the host coupled tothe SD card, set the SD card to the SD mode if the SD card is not in thePCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is receivedthrough the command pin from the host connected to the SD card; andafter receiving the first supply voltage through the first voltagesupply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, perform a PCIe linkupprocess if the SD card is not in the SD mode and the second supplyvoltage is received through the second voltage supply pin. The SD cardenters the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup process succeeds.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method performedby a host for initializing a secure digital (SD) card coupling to thehost. The SD card supports both an SD mode and a peripheral componentinterconnect express (PCIe) mode. The host comprises a processor and acommunication interface for coupling to the SD card. The communicationinterface comprises: a first voltage supply contact for providing afirst supply voltage; a second voltage supply contact for providing asecond supply voltage lower than the first supply voltage; at least oneground contact for coupling to a ground; at least one clock contact fortransmitting a clock signal to the SD card; and a command contact fortransmitting a command to the SD card. The method comprises (a)providing the first supply voltage to the SD card through the firstvoltage supply contact; (b) providing the second supply voltage to theSD card through the second voltage supply contact; (c) performing a PCIelinkup process after step (b); (d) determining that the PCIe linkupprocess succeeds or fails, wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds,the SD card enters the PCIe mode; and (e) transmitting a CMD0 commandfor entering the SD mode to the SD card through the command contact ifthe PCIe linkup process fails.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a host forinitializing a secure digital (SD) card coupled to the host. The SD cardsupports both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express(PCIe) mode. The host comprises a processor and a communicationinterface for coupling to the SD card. The communication interfacecomprises: a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supplyvoltage; a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supplyvoltage lower than the first supply voltage; at least one ground contactfor coupling to a ground; at least one clock contact for transmitting aclock signal to the SD card; and a command contact for transmitting acommand to the SD card. The processor is configured to: provide thefirst supply voltage to the SD card through the first voltage supplycontact; provide the second supply voltage to the SD card through thesecond voltage supply contact; perform a PCIe linkup process afterproviding the second supply voltage; determine that the PCIe linkupprocess succeeds or fails, wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds,the SD card enters the PCIe mode; and transmit a CMD0 command forentering the SD mode to the SD card through the command contact if thePCIe linkup process fails.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention discloses a methodperformed by a host for initializing a secure digital (SD) card coupledto the host. The SD card supports both an SD mode and a peripheralcomponent interconnect express (PCIe) mode. The host comprises aprocessor and a communication interface for coupling to the SD card. Thecommunication interface comprises: a first voltage supply contact forproviding a first supply voltage; a second voltage supply contact forproviding a second supply voltage lower than the first supply voltage;at least one ground contact for coupling to a ground; at least one clockcontact for transmitting a clock signal to the SD card; and a commandcontact for transmitting a command to the SD card. The method comprises:(a) providing the first supply voltage to the SD card through the firstvoltage supply contact; (b) transmitting a CMD0 command for entering theSD mode through the command contact to the SD card after step (a); (c)transmitting a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode through thecommand contact to the SD card after step (b), wherein the SD cardremains in the SD mode if a response signal, indicating that the SD cardsupports the PCIe mode, is not received through the command contact fromthe SD card; (d) if the response signal, indicating that the SD cardsupports the PCIe mode, is received from the SD card, providing thesecond supply voltage to the SD card through the second voltage supplycontact; (e) performing a PCIe linkup process after step (d); (f)determining that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails, wherein ifthe PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters the PCIe mode; and(g) if the PCIe linkup process fails, transmitting a CMD0 command to theSD card through the command contact.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention discloses a host forinitializing a secure digital (SD) card coupled to the host. The SD cardsupports both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express(PCIe) mode. The host comprises a processor and a communicationinterface for coupling to the SD card. The communication interfacecomprises: a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supplyvoltage; a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supplyvoltage lower than the first supply voltage; at least one ground contactfor coupling to a ground; at least one clock contact for transmitting aclock signal to the SD card; and a command contact for transmitting acommand to the SD card. The processor is configured to: provide thefirst supply voltage to the SD card through the first voltage supplycontact; transmit a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode through thecommand contact to the SD card after providing the first supply voltage;transmit a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode through the commandcontact to the SD card after transmitting the CMD0 command, wherein theSD card remains in the SD mode if a response signal, indicating that theSD card supports the PCIe mode, is not received through the commandcontact from the SD card; if the response signal, indicating that the SDcard supports the PCIe mode, is received from the SD card, provide thesecond supply voltage to the SD card through the second voltage supplycontact; perform a PCIe linkup process after providing the second supplyvoltage; determine that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails,wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters the PCIemode; and if the PCIe linkup process fails, transmit a CMD0 command tothe SD card through the command contact.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention discloses a methodperformed by a controller of a secure digital (SD) card supporting bothan SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) modefor initializing the SD card. The SD card comprises at least 17 pins forcoupling to a host. The at least 17 pins comprise: a first voltagesupply pin for receiving a first supply voltage for SD mode provided bythe host; a second voltage supply pin for receiving a second supplyvoltage provided by the host, wherein the second supply voltage is lowerthan the first supply voltage; at least one ground pin for coupling to aground; at least one clock pin for receiving a clock signal from thehost; and a command pin for receiving a command from the host. Themethod comprises: (a) after receiving the first supply voltage throughthe first voltage supply pin, setting the SD card to the SD mode if theSD card is not in the PCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the SDmode is received through the command pin; and (b) after receiving thefirst supply voltage through the first voltage supply pin, letting theSD card perform a PCIe linkup process if the SD card is not in the SDmode and the second supply voltage is received through the secondvoltage supply pin; and (c) setting the SD card to the PCIe mode if thePCIe linkup process succeeds.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention discloses a controllerof a secure digital (SD) card, configured to perform the above method.

The objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious tothose of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in thevarious figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an SD card.

FIG. 2 is a table of descriptions of the pins of an SD card.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an SD card in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a table of descriptions of the pins of an SD card inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the combination of an SD card and ahost in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a state diagram showing the changes in the state of an SD cardduring initialization in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an initialization method of an SD card inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an initialization method of a host inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of another initialization method of a host inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the sequence of the steps forinitializing an SD card in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a top view of an SD card A. As shown in FIG. 1, SD card Aincludes 9 pins, which are labeled A1 to A9 and form a single row. SDcard A operates in an SD transmission mode (or referred to as an “SDmode”).

FIG. 2 is a table of descriptions or definitions of pins A1 to A9 of theSD card A shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the table, pins A1 and A7 to A9are data lines. Pin A2 is referred to as a command (CMD) pin. Forexample, pin A2 may receive a command transmitted from a host to SD cardA and may transmit a response in response to the command from SD card Ato the host. Pin A4 is referred to as a VDD pin and operates as avoltage supply pin for SD card A. Pin A4 may be configured to receive asupply voltage within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts (V). Pin A5 isreferred to as a clock (CLK) pin and is configured to receive a clocksignal. Pins A3 and/or A6 are ground pins.

FIG. 3 shows an SD card B in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 3, SD card B includes 18 pins, whichare labeled B1 to B18 and form two rows R1 and R2. The arrangements orconfigurations of row R1, formed by pins B1 to B9, are substantially thesame as those of pins A1 to A9 of SD card A in FIG. 1. According to thepresent disclosure, SD card B may operate in both an SD mode and a PCIemode. When SD card B operates in the SD mode, pins B1 to B9 are utilizedand have the same functions as pins A1 to A9 of SD card A in FIG. 1. Inthis situation, pins B1 to B9 correspond to pins A1 to A9 respectively.For example, pin B2 operates as a command pin.

FIG. 4 is a table of descriptions or definitions of pins B1, B4 and B7to B18 of SD card B when SD card B operates in the PCIe mode. Pins B1,B4 and B7 to B9, which are utilized in the SD mode, are also utilized inthe PCIe mode. Nevertheless, the functions of pins B1 and B7 to B9 inthe PCIe mode are different from the functions of pins B1 and B7 to B9in the SD mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, pin B4 is referred to as a VDD1 pin and operates asa voltage supply pin for SD card B (as pin A4 for SD card A). Pin B4 maybe configured to receive a supply voltage within a range from 2.7 to3.6V. Pin B14 is referred to as a VDD2 pin and operates as a voltagesupply pin for SD card B. Pin B14 may be configured to receive a supplyvoltage within a range from 1.7 to 1.95V. Pin B18 is referred to as aVDD3 pin and operates as a voltage supply pin for SD card B. Pin B18 maybe configured to receive a supply voltage within a range from 1.14 to1.3V. In some embodiments, Pin B18 may be optional and may not befunctional. Pins B7 and B8 are referred to as clock (CLK) pins and maybe configured to receive clock signals. Pins B10, B13 and/or B17 areground pins.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the combination of SD card B and ahost H in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. SDcard B is configured to be coupled with the host H via pins B1 to B18,and receives commands, data, and supply voltages from the host H viapins B1 to B18. SD card B includes a flash memory module 120 and a flashmemory controller (or controller) 110, wherein the flash memorycontroller 110 is arranged to access the flash memory module. The flashmemory controller 110 may be configured to set the transmission mode ofSD card B as the SD mode or the PCIe mode. According to this embodiment,the flash memory controller 110 comprises a microprocessor 112, aread-only memory (ROM) 112M, a control logic 114, a buffer memory 116,and an interface logic 118. The ROM 112M is arranged to store a programcode 112C, and the microprocessor 112 is arranged to execute the programcode 112C in order to control the access to the flash memory module 120.The control logic 114 comprises an encoder 142 and a decoder 144.

Typically, the flash memory module 120 comprises multiple flash memorychips, each comprising multiple blocks, and the flash memory controller110 takes a “block” as the unit of performing operations (e.g. erasing)on the flash memory module 120. The flash memory controller 110 mayexecute the program code 112C via the microprocessor 112. Further, ablock may include a specific number of pages, wherein the flash memorycontroller 110 takes a “page” as the unit of writing data to the flashmemory module 120. In some embodiments, the flash memory module 120 mayinclude a 3D NAND-type flash memory.

In practice, the flash memory controller 110 which executes the programcode 112C via the microprocessor 112 may use the inner elements thereofto perform various control operations, such as using the control logic114 to control the access operations of the flash memory module 120(especially the access operation on at least one block or at least onepage), using the buffer memory 116 to perform the required bufferingprocess, and using the interface logic 118 to communicate with the hostH via pins B1 to B18 shown in FIG. 3. The buffer memory 116 may, forexample, be a static random access memory (Static RAM (SRAM)), but thepresent invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 6 is a state diagram showing changes in the state an SD card duringinitialization in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. There are various states shown in FIG. 6, which are theoperation states of SD card B during initialization when SD card B isconnected (coupled) to the host H. The state diagram starts with apseudo initialization state 62. When SD card B is connected to the hostH, a voltage VDD1 is provided to SD card B through pin B4. SD card Bthus enters the pseudo initialization state 62.

In state 62, if a voltage VDD2 is received through pin B14 or a voltageVDD3 is received through pin B18, SD card B (or the controller 110)enters state 64 for performing a PCIe linkup process. If voltage VDD2through pin B14 and voltage VDD3 through the VDD3 pin B18 are bothabsent and a CMD0 command of the SD mode is received through command pinB2 from the host H, SD card B enters the SD mode. That is, SD card Benters state 63 from state 62. CMD0 is a software reset command and setsSD card B into an idle state regardless of the current card state.Detailed information of CMD0 is included in the “Physical LayerSpecification” released by the SD Group.

As mentioned above, if voltage VDD2 or VDD3 is received, SD card B (orthe controller 110) enters state 64. In state 64, a PCIe linkup processis performed by the controller. If, during the linkup process, SD card B(or the controller 110) detects that pin B1 (e.g., RERST#) is low, SDcard B (or the controller 110) disables its internal pull-up resistor onpin B1 and then drives pin B9 (e.g., CKLREQ#) low. If the host H detectsthat pin B9 is low, the host H drives pin B1 high and then executes PCIelink training and initialization. Detailed description of the linkupprocess is included in Section 8.3, “Initialization Process of SDExpress Card,” of the “Physical Layer Specification” released by the SDGroup.

In state 64, if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, SD card B (or thecontroller 110) enters the PCIe mode or is set to the PCIe mode by thecontroller 110, which is labeled state 65. If, before the PCIe linkupprocess succeeds, the existing voltage VDD2 or voltage VDD3 is turnedoff (i.e., both voltage VDD2 and voltage VDD3 are absent), SD card B (orthe controller 110) terminates the PCIe linkup process and returns tothe pseudo initialization state (i.e., state 62).

If, during the PCIe linkup process, the CMD0 command is received throughcommand pin B2 from the host H, SD card B enters the SD mode or is setto the SD mode by the controller 110 (state 63). The PCIe linkup processmay be considered by the host H to have failed if the PCIe linkupprocess cannot succeed within a predetermined time period. In someembodiments, the host H may be configured to transmit a CMD0 command toSD card B through command pin B2 if the PCIe linkup process fails. Insome other embodiments, the host H may be configured to turn off voltageVDD2 and voltage VDD3 if the PCIe linkup process fails.

If SD card B has entered the PCIe mode (i.e., state 65) and the existingvoltage VDD2 or VDD3 is turned off (i.e., voltage VDD2 and voltage VDD3are both absent), SD card B returns to the pseudo initialization stateor is set back to the pseudo initialization state by the controller 110(back to state 62).

In state 63, where SD card B has entered the SD mode, a CMD8 command maybe received through command pin B2 from the host H. CMD 8 command isadded to support multiple voltage ranges and used to check whether theSD card supports the supplied voltage. The host H uses CMD8 command toprovide voltage supporting information to the SD card. Upon receipt ofCMD8 command, SD card B (or the controller 110) may transmit a responsesignal (i.e., R7) to the host through command pin B2, in order toprovide voltage supporting information of the SD card to the host. Inthe response, the SD cards echoes back both the voltage range and checkpattern set in the argument. Detailed information of R7 is included inthe Section 4.9.6 of “Physical Layer Specification Version 7.00”released by the SD Group. Afterward, if voltage VDD2 through pin B14 orvoltage VDD3 through pin B18 is received from the host H, SD card B (orthe controller 110) performs the PCIe linkup process (state 64); ifneither, SD card B remains in the SD mode.

In the above embodiments, SD card B (or the controller 110) enters theSD mode from state 62 if the CMD0 command of the SD mode is receivedthrough command pin B2 from the host H. Nevertheless, in some otherembodiments, SD card B (or the controller 110) enters the SD mode fromstate 62 if the SD card is not in the PCIe mode and an SD clock signalis received through command pin B5 from the host H. It is appreciatedthat, in some embodiments, pin B18 is not arranged and thus VDD3 wouldnot be provided.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an initialization process 700 performed by anSD card or a controller of the SD card in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention. The detailed steps are as follows:

-   Step 702: Start-   Step 704: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether a CMD0    command is received through the command pin. If the result is    affirmative, the process goes to Step 716. If the result is    negative, the process goes to Step 706.-   Step 706: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether a    voltage VDD2 or a voltage VDD3 is received. If the result is    affirmative, the process goes to Step 708. If the result is    negative, the process goes to Step 704.-   Step 708: The SD card (or the controller) performs a PCIe linkup    process.-   Step 710: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether the    PCIe linkup process succeeds. If the result is affirmative, the    process goes to Step 712. If the result is negative (i.e., if the    PCIe linkup process fails), the process goes to Step 704. The PCIe    linkup process may be deemed to have failed if one of the following    events happens: (i) the PCIe linkup process cannot succeed within a    predetermined time period; (ii) voltage VDD2 and voltage VDD3 are    both absent; and (iii) a CMD0 command is received.-   Step 712: The SD card enters the PCIe mode or is set to the PCIe    mode by the controller.-   Step 714: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether the    existing voltage VDD2 or VDD3 is turned off (i.e., voltage VDD2 and    voltage VDD3 are both absent). If the result is affirmative, the    process goes to Step 704. If the result is negative, the process    goes to Step 712, wherein the SD card remains in the PCIe mode.-   Step 716: The SD card enters the SD mode or is set to the SD mode by    the controller.-   Step 718: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether a CMD8    command is received through the command pin. If the result is    affirmative, the process goes to Step 720. If the result is    negative, the process goes to Step 716, wherein the SD card remains    in the SD mode.-   Step 720: The SD card transmits a response signal (e.g., R7),    indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, through the    command pin.-   Step 722: The SD card (or the controller) determines whether voltage    VDD2 or voltage VDD3 is received. If the result is affirmative, the    process goes to Step 708. If the result is negative, the process    goes to Step 716, wherein the SD card remains in the SD mode.

Persons skilled in the art would understand from the above disclosurethat the order of the above steps may be adjusted. For example, Step 706may be performed before Step 704. If no neither VDD2 nor Vdd3 isreceived in Step 706, then go to Step 704.

According to the present disclosure, especially the disclosure relatedto FIGS. 6 and 7, persons with ordinary skills in the art may deriveother flow charts of an initialization process performed by an SD cardor a controller of the SD card. Thus, the initialization process of thesubject invention is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 5 again, the host H may include a processor 132 and acommunication interface 134 for coupling to the SD card. Thecommunication interface includes contacts H1 to H18, wherein contacts H1to H18 correspond respectively to the pins B1 to B18 of SD card B. Thefunctions of contacts H1 to H18 are as shown in FIG. 2 when the host Hwould like to communicate with SD card B in the SD mode, and thefunctions of contacts H1 to H18 are as shown in FIG. 4 when the host Hwould like to communicate with SD card B in the PCIe mode. The operationof the host H for conducting initialization is detailed in the followingparagraphs. Generally, the processor 132 of the host H runs at least aprogram code that can be accessed by processor 132 to conduct thefollowing initialization processes, including FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.10. In other words, the host H is configured to perform the followinginitialization processes.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an initialization process performed by a hostin accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Accordingto a preferred embodiment, the initialization process includes thefollowing steps:

-   Step 802: Start-   Step 804: The host provides VDD1 through contact H4 to the SD card.-   Step 806: The host provides VDD2 through contact H14 or provides    VDD3 through the contact H18 to the SD card.-   Step 808: The host conducts a PCIe linkup process and determines    whether a response indicating that the PCIe linkup process succeeds    is received. If the result is affirmative, the process goes to Step    810. If the result is negative (i.e., if the PCIe linkup process    fails), the process goes to Step 814. If the PCIe linkup process    succeeds, a register “PCIe Linkup” is set to 1b. That is, the host    can determine whether the PCIe linkup process succeeds by    determining the value of register “PCIe Linkup.”-   Step 810: The host determines that the SD card is in the PCIe mode.-   Step 812: The host determines whether a command requesting the SD    card to switch to the SD mode is received. If the result is    affirmative, the process goes to Step 814. If the result is    negative, the process goes to Step 810.-   Step 814: The host transmits a CMD0 command through the contact H2    and cuts off both VDD2 and VDD3.-   Step 816: The host determines that the SD card is in the SD mode.-   Step 818: The host determines whether a command requesting the SD    card to switch to the PCIe mode is received. If the result is    affirmative, the process goes to Step 820. If the result is    negative, the process goes to Step 816.-   Step 820: The host transmits CMD8 command through the contact H2.-   Step 822: The host determines whether a response signal (e.g., R7),    indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, is received    through the contact H2. If the result is affirmative, the process    goes to Step 806. If the result is negative, the process goes to    Step 816.

In the initialization process 800, the host provides VDD1 and thenprovides VDD2 or VDD3. The host then performs the PCIe linkup processwith the SD card. If the PCIe linkup process fails, the host determinesthat the SD card coupled to the host may not support the PCIe mode andthen transmits the CMD0 command in order to let the SD card enter the SDmode. If the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters the PCIemode.

In the above embodiment, the host provides VDD2 or VDD3 after VDD1. Insome embodiments steps 804 and 806 may be performed simultaneously. Thatis, the host may provide VDD2 or VDD3 along with VDD1. Persons skilledin the art would understand from the above disclosure that the order ofthe above steps may be adjusted and the initialization process is notlimited to the above embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of another initialization process performed by ahost in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, the initialization process 900includes the following steps:

-   Step 902: Start.-   Step 904: The host provides VDD1 through contact H4 to the SD card.-   Step 906: The host transmits a CMD0 command through the contact H2    to the SD card.-   Step 908: The host transmits CMD8 command through the contact H2 to    the SD card.-   Step 910: The host determines whether a response signal (e.g., R7),    indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, is received. If    the result is affirmative, the process goes to Step 912. If the    result is negative, the process goes to Step 918.-   Step 912: The host provides VDD2 through contact H14 or provides    VDD3 through the contact H18 to the SD card.-   Step 914: The host performs a PCIe linkup process with the SD card    and determines whether the PCIe linkup process succeeds. If the    result is affirmative, the process goes to Step 916. If the result    is negative (i.e., if the PCIe linkup process fails), the process    goes to Step 920.-   Step 916: The host determines that the SD card is in the PCIe mode.-   Step 918: The host transmits a CMD0 command through the contact H2    to the SD card.-   Step 920: The host determines that the SD card is in the SD mode.

In the initialization process 900, the host provides VDD1 and thentransmits CMD0 command to the SD card. Thus, the SD card would enter theSD mode after booting up. The host then transmits CMD8 command to the SDcard to confirm whether the SD card supports the PCIe mode. If the SDcard transmits the response signal R7, indicating that the SD cardsupports the PCIe mode, to the host, the host may perform the PCIelinkup process with the SD card. Based on the above disclosure, it canbe understood that initialization processes of the subject invention arenot limited to those depicted in FIGS. 7-9. Persons skilled in the artmay derive other initialization processes based on the above disclosure,especially the disclosure related to FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 show an initialization process 1000 of the SD card B (or thecontroller 110) and the host H in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention. In the present embodiment, the process 1000starts with an SD mode command, i.e., the CMD0 command sent by the hostH. In a preferred embodiment, the process 1000 can be divided into fourstages: pseudo initial stage, SD mode stage, PCIe linkup stage, and PCIemode stage. Each of these stages is detailed as follows:

Pseudo Initial Stage:

SD card B (or the controller 110) is in the pseudo initial stage afterbeing boosted up. In this stage, the host H turns on voltage VDD1 andpulls up command pin B2 and pins B1, B7, B8 and B9 (i.e., data linesDAT[3:0] in the SD mode; see FIG. 2) by a voltage of 3.3V. After voltageVDD1 is turned on, the host H transmits an SDCLK through clock pin B5and the CMD0 command through command pin B2 to SD card B.

SD Mode Stage:

SD card B (or the controller 110) enters the SD mode after receivingCMD0 command. A CMD8 command is transmitted from the host H throughcommand pin B2. The CMD8 command has “PCIe Avaliability”=1 and “PCIe1.2V Support”=1 in its argument. Note that 1.2V is within the voltagerange of 1.14V to 1.3V, of which the VDD3 pin B18 is configured toreceive.

If SD card B receives the CMD8 command and detects “PCIe Avaliability”=1and “PCIe 1.2V Support”=1 successfully, SD card B responds to R7 with“PCIe Response”=1 and “PCIe 1.2V Support”=1 because it supports VDD3voltage supply in the present embodiment. In some embodiments, SD card B(or the controller 110) may support VDD2 voltage supply instead. Whenthe host H detects “PCIe Response”=1 in R7, the host H drives pins B1,B7 and B8 low. Note that pins B1, B7 and B8 correspond to DAT3, DAT0 andDAT1 in the SD mode and correspond to PERST#, REFCLK+ and REFCLK− in thePCIe mode (see FIG. 4). In addition, when the host H detects “PCIe 1.2VSupport”=1 in R7, PERST#=low and CLKREQ#=high, it supplies voltage VDD3to SD card B (or the controller 110) through the VDD3 pin B18.

PCIe Linkup Stage:

SD card B (or the controller 110) enters the PCIe linkup process whenthe received voltage VDD3 reaches 1.2V. Note that pin B9 corresponds toDAT2 in the SD mode and corresponds to CLKREQ# in the PCIe mode (seeFIG. 4). CLKREQ# is for a reference clock request signal.

When the SD card B (or the controller 110) detects that voltage VDD3 ison and PERST# is low, it disables an internal pull-up resistor on DAT3and drives CLKREQ# low within a predetermined time interval TPVCRL sincethe received voltage VDD3 has become stable.

When the host H detects that CLKREQ# is low, it drives PERST# high aftermore than a predetermined time interval TPVPGL since the receivedvoltage VDD3 has become stable and more than a predetermined timeinterval TPERST#-CLK since supplying REFCLK through the pins B7 and B8.

PCIe Mode Stage:

SD card B (or the controller 110) enters the PCIe mode after the PCIelinkup succeeds.

In summary, the initialization method provided by the present inventionenables an SD card (or the controller 110) to support both the SD modeand the PCIe mode. The SD card (or the controller 110) may beinitialized to the SD mode or the PCIe mode according to a hostconnected to the SD card (or the controller 110) based on differentapplications.

In view of the above, the present disclosure provides an initializationprocess for an SD card which supports both the SD mode and PCIe mode anda related memory card, controller and host. For the SD card according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is also compatible with ahost which does not support the PCIe mode. For the host according to theembodiments of the present disclosure, it is also compatible with an SDcard which does not support the PCIe mode.

The present disclosure may further be described using the followingclauses:

-   -   1. A method performed by a secure digital (SD) card supporting        both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express        (PCIe) mode for initializing the SD card, the SD card comprising        at least 17 pins for coupling to a host, the at least 17 pins        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage        provided by the host;    -   a second voltage supply pin for receiving a second supply        voltage provided by the host, wherein the second supply voltage        is lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground pin for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock pin for receiving a clock signal from the        host; and    -   a command pin for receiving a command from the host,    -   the method comprising:    -   (a) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card,        entering the SD mode if the SD card is not in the PCIe mode and        a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is received through the        command pin from the host coupled to the SD card; and    -   (b) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card,        performing a PCIe linkup process if the SD card is not in the SD        mode and the second supply voltage is received through the        second voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card;    -   wherein the SD card enters the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup        process succeeds.    -   2. The method of clause 1, wherein the SD card enters a Pseudo        initialization state if a first supply voltage is provided; the        SD card enters the SD mode from the Pseudo initialization state        if the CMD0 command is received; and the SD card enters a state        for performing the PCIe linkup process from the Pseudo        initialization state if the second supply voltage is received.    -   3. The method of clause 1, further comprising the following        steps to be executed after step (a):    -   (d) receiving a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode        transmitted by the host through the command pin;    -   (e) transmitting a response signal, indicating that the SD card        supports the PCIe mode, to the host through the command pin; and    -   (f) after step (e), performing the PCIe linkup process if the        second supply voltage is received through the second voltage        supply pin from the host; otherwise, staying in the SD mode.    -   4. The method of clause 1, wherein step (b) further comprises        terminating the PCIe linkup process if the SD card does not        receive the second supply voltage through the second voltage        supply pin.    -   5. The method of clause 1, further comprising switching out of        the PCIe mode if the SD card does not receive the second supply        voltage through the second voltage supply pin.    -   6. The method of clause 1, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   7. The method of clause 1, wherein step (a) comprising one of        the following:    -   (g) entering the SD mode if the PCIe linkup process fails and        the CMD0 command is received through the command pin from the        host; and    -   (h) entering the SD mode if the first supply voltage is received        through the first voltage supply pin, the second supply voltage        through the second voltage supply pin is absent, and the CMD0        command is received through the command pin from the host.    -   8. An SD card supporting both an SD mode and a PCIe mode        comprising:    -   at least 17 pins for coupling to a host, the at least 17 pins        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage        provided by the host;    -   a second voltage supply pin for receiving a second supply        voltage provided by the host, wherein the second supply voltage        is lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground pin for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock pin for receiving a clock signal from the        host; and    -   a command pin for receiving a command from the host; and    -   a controller,    -   wherein the controller is configured to:    -   after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, set the        SD card to the SD mode if the SD card is not in the PCIe mode        and a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is received through        the command pin from the host connected to the SD card; and    -   after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, perform        a PCIe linkup process if the SD card is not in the SD mode and        the second supply voltage is received through the second voltage        supply pin;    -   wherein the SD card enters the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup        process succeeds.    -   9. The SD card of clause 8, wherein the SD card enters a Pseudo        initialization state if a first supply voltage is provided; the        SD card enters the SD mode from the Pseudo initialization state        if the CMD0 command is received; and the SD card enters a state        for performing the PCIe linkup process from the Pseudo        initialization state if the second supply voltage is received.    -   10. The SD card of clause 8, wherein, after setting the SD card        to the SD mode, the controller is further configured to:    -   receive a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode transmitted by        the host through the command pin;    -   transmit a response signal, indicating that the SD card supports        the PCIe mode, to the host through the command pin; and    -   after transmitting the response signal, perform the PCIe linkup        process if the second supply voltage is received through the        second voltage supply pin from the host; otherwise, keep the SD        card in the SD mode.    -   11. The SD card of clause 8, wherein the controller is further        configured to terminate the PCIe linkup process if the SD card        does not receive the second supply voltage through the second        voltage supply pin.    -   12. The SD card of clause 8, wherein the controller is further        configured to:    -   switch the SD card out of the PCIe mode if the SD card does not        receive the second supply voltage through the second voltage        supply pin.    -   13. The SD card of clause 8, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   14. The SD card of clause 8, wherein the controller is further        configured to perform one of the following:    -   setting the SD card to the SD mode if the PCIe linkup process        fails and the CMD0 command is received through the command pin        from the host; and    -   setting the SD card to the SD mode if the first supply voltage        is received through the first voltage supply pin, the second        supply voltage through the second voltage supply pin is absent,        and the CMD0 command is received through the command pin from        the host.    -   15. A method performed by a host for initializing a secure        digital (SD) card, the SD card supporting both an SD mode and a        peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) mode, the host        comprising:    -   a processor;    -   a communication interface for coupling to the SD card,        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supply        voltage;    -   a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supply        voltage lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground contact for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock contact for transmitting a clock signal to        the SD card; and    -   a command contact for transmitting a command to the SD card,    -   the method comprising:    -   (a) providing the first supply voltage to the SD card through        the first voltage supply contact;    -   (b) providing the second supply voltage to the SD card through        the second voltage supply contact;    -   (c) performing a PCIe linkup process after step (b);    -   (d) determining that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails,        wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters        the PCIe mode; and    -   (e) transmitting a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode to the        SD card through the command contact if the PCIe linkup process        fails.    -   16. The method of clause 15, further comprising:    -   (f) if the SD card is in the SD mode and a command requesting        the SD card to enter the PCIe mode is received by the processor,        transmitting a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode to the SD        card through the command contact; and    -   wherein step (b) and step (c) are performed if a response        signal, indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, is        received from the SD card through the command contact.    -   17. The method of clause 15, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   18. The method of clause 15, further comprising:    -   (g) if a command requesting the SD card to enter the SD mode        from the PCIe mode is received by the processor, stopping        transmission of the second supply voltage and transmitting the        CMD0 command to the SD card through the command contact.    -   19. A host for initializing a secure digital (SD) card, the SD        card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheral component        interconnect express (PCIe) mode, the host comprising:    -   a processor;    -   a communication interface for coupling to the SD card,        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supply        voltage;    -   a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supply        voltage lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground contact for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock contact for transmitting a clock signal to        the SD card; and    -   a command contact for transmitting a command to the SD card;    -   wherein the host is configured to:    -   provide the first supply voltage to the SD card through the        first voltage supply contact;    -   provide the second supply voltage to the SD card through the        second voltage supply contact;    -   perform a PCIe linkup process after providing the second supply        voltage;    -   determine that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails,        wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters        the PCIe mode; and    -   transmit a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode to the SD card        through the command contact if the PCIe linkup process fails.    -   20. The host of clause 19, wherein the processor is further        configured to:    -   transmit a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode to the SD        card through the command contact if the SD card is in the SD        mode and a command requesting the SD card to enter the PCIe mode        is received by the processor;    -   wherein if a response signal, indicating that the SD card        supports the PCIe mode, is received from the SD card through the        command contact, the processor is configured to provide the        second supply voltage and perform the PCIe linkup process.    -   21. The host of clause 19, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   22. The host of clause 19, wherein the processor further        configured to:    -   stop transmitting the second supply voltage and transmit the        CMD0 command to the SD card through the command contact if a        command requesting the SD card to enter the SD mode from the        PCIe mode is received.    -   23. A method performed by a host for initializing a secure        digital (SD) card coupled to the host, the SD card supporting        both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express        (PCIe) mode, the host comprising:    -   a processor;    -   a communication interface for coupling to the SD card,        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supply        voltage;    -   a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supply        voltage lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground contact for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock contact for transmitting a clock signal to        the SD card; and    -   a command contact for transmitting a command to the SD card,    -   the method comprising:    -   (a) providing the first supply voltage to the SD card through        the first voltage supply contact;    -   (b) transmitting a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode through        the command contact to the SD card after step (a);    -   (c) transmitting a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode        through the command contact to the SD card after step (b),        wherein the SD card remains in the SD mode if a response signal,        indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, is not        received through the command contact from the SD card;    -   (d) if the response signal, indicating that the SD card supports        the PCIe mode, is received from the SD card, providing the        second supply voltage to the SD card through the second voltage        supply contact;    -   (e) performing a PCIe linkup process after step (d);    -   (f) determining that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails,        wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters        the PCIe mode; and    -   (g) if the PCIe linkup process fails, transmitting a CMD0        command to the SD card through the command contact.    -   24. The method of clause 23, wherein step (c) and step (d) are        performed if the SD card is in the SD mode and a command        requesting the SD card to enter the PCIe mode is received by the        processor.    -   25. The method of clause 23, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   26. The method of clause 23, further comprising:    -   (h) if a command requesting the SD card to enter the SD mode        from the PCIe mode is received by the processor, stopping        transmission of the second supply voltage and transmitting the        CMD0 command to the SD card through the command contact.    -   27. A host for initializing a secure digital (SD) card, the SD        card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheral component        interconnect express (PCIe) mode, the host comprising:    -   a processor;    -   a communication interface for coupling to the SD card,        comprising:    -   a first voltage supply contact for providing a first supply        voltage;    -   a second voltage supply contact for providing a second supply        voltage lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground contact for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock contact for transmitting a clock signal to        the SD card; and    -   a command contact for transmitting a command to the SD card;    -   wherein the host is configured to:    -   provide the first supply voltage to the SD card through the        first voltage supply contact;    -   transmit a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode through the        command contact to the SD card after providing the first supply        voltage;    -   transmit a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode through the        command contact to the SD card after transmitting the CMD0        command, wherein the SD card remains in the SD mode if a        response signal, indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe        mode, is not received through the command contact from the SD        card;    -   if the response signal, indicating that the SD card supports the        PCIe mode, is received from the SD card, provide the second        supply voltage to the SD card through the second voltage supply        contact;    -   perform a PCIe linkup process after providing the second supply        voltage;    -   determine that the PCIe linkup process succeeds or fails,        wherein if the PCIe linkup process succeeds, the SD card enters        the PCIe mode; and    -   if the PCIe linkup process fails, transmit a CMD0 command to the        SD card through the command contact.    -   28. The host of clause 27, wherein if the SD card is in the SD        mode and a command requesting the SD card to enter the PCIe mode        is received by the processor, the CMD8 command is transmitted to        the SD card through the command contact.    -   29. The host of clause 27, wherein the first supply voltage is        within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply        voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a        range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   30. The host of clause 27, wherein the processor is further        configured to:    -   stop transmission of the second supply voltage and transmit the        CMD0 command to the SD card through the command contact if a        command requesting the SD card to enter the SD mode from the        PCIe mode is received by the processor.    -   31. A method performed by a controller of a secure digital (SD)        card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheral component        interconnect express (PCIe) mode for initializing the SD card,        the SD card comprising at least 17 pins for coupling to a host,        and the at least 17 pins comprising:    -   a first voltage supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage        for SD mode provided by the host;    -   a second voltage supply pin for receiving a second supply        voltage provided by the host, wherein the second supply voltage        is lower than the first supply voltage;    -   at least one ground pin for coupling to a ground;    -   at least one clock pin for receiving a clock signal from the        host; and    -   a command pin for receiving a command from the host,    -   the method comprising:    -   (a) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin, setting the SD card to the SD mode if the SD        card is not in the PCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the        SD mode is received through the command pin; and    -   (b) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first        voltage supply pin, letting the SD card perform a PCIe linkup        process if the SD card is not in the SD mode and the second        supply voltage is received through the second voltage supply        pin; and    -   (c) setting the SD card to the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup        process succeeds.    -   32. The method of clause 31, further comprising the following        steps to be executed after step (a):    -   (d) receiving a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode through        the command pin;    -   (e) transmitting a response signal, indicating that the SD card        supports the PCIe mode, through the command pin; and    -   (f) after step (e), letting the SD card perform the PCIe linkup        process if the second supply voltage is received through the        second voltage supply pin; otherwise, keeping the SD card in the        SD mode.    -   33. The method of clause 31, wherein step (b) further comprises        terminating the PCIe linkup process if the second supply voltage        is not received through the second voltage supply pin.    -   34. The method of clause 31, further comprising setting the SD        card to exit the PCIe mode if the second supply voltage is not        received through the second voltage supply pin.    -   35. The method of clause 31, wherein the first voltage is within        a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply voltage is        within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a range from        1.14 to 1.3 volts.    -   36. The method of clause 31, wherein step (a) comprising one of        the following:    -   (g) entering the SD mode if the PCIe linkup process fails and        the CMD0 command is received through the command pin from the        host; and    -   (h) entering the SD mode if the first supply voltage is received        through the first voltage supply pin, the second supply voltage        through the second voltage supply pin is absent, and the CMD0        command is received through the command pin from the host.    -   37. A controller of a secure digital (SD) card, configured to        perform the method of any one of clauses 31 to 36.

It should be noted that the above disclosure is for illustrativepurposes and should not be deemed as limiting the present disclosure.Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerousmodifications and alterations of the device and method may be made whileretaining the teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, theabove disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes andbounds of the appended claims.

1. A method performed by a secure digital (SD) card supporting both an SD mode and a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) mode for initializing the SD card, the SD card comprising at least 17 pins for coupling to a host, the at least 17 pins comprising: a first voltage supply pin for receiving a first supply voltage provided by the host; a second voltage supply pin for receiving a second supply voltage provided by the host, wherein the second supply voltage is lower than the first supply voltage; at least one ground pin for coupling to a ground; at least one clock pin for receiving a clock signal from the host; and a command pin for receiving a command from the host, the method comprising: (a) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, entering the SD mode if the SD card is not in the PCIe mode and a CMD0 command for entering the SD mode is received through the command pin from the host coupled to the SD card; and (b) after receiving the first supply voltage through the first voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card, performing a PCIe linkup process if the SD card is not in the SD mode and the second supply voltage is received through the second voltage supply pin from the host coupled to the SD card; wherein the SD card enters the PCIe mode if the PCIe linkup process succeeds.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the SD card enters a Pseudo initialization state if a first supply voltage is provided; the SD card enters the SD mode from the Pseudo initialization state if the CMD0 command is received; and the SD card enters a state for performing the PCIe linkup process from the Pseudo initialization state if the second supply voltage is received.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the following steps to be executed after step (a): (d) receiving a CMD8 command for entering the PCIe mode transmitted by the host through the command pin; (e) transmitting a response signal, indicating that the SD card supports the PCIe mode, to the host through the command pin; and (f) after step (e), performing the PCIe linkup process if the second supply voltage is received through the second voltage supply pin from the host; otherwise, staying in the SD mode.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises terminating the PCIe linkup process if the SD card does not receive the second supply voltage through the second voltage supply pin.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising switching out of the PCIe mode if the SD card does not receive the second supply voltage through the second voltage supply pin.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first supply voltage is within a range from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, and the second supply voltage is within a range from 1.7 to 1.95 volts or within a range from 1.14 to 1.3 volts.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) comprising one of the following: (g) entering the SD mode if the PCIe linkup process fails and the CMD0 command is received through the command pin from the host; and (h) entering the SD mode if the first supply voltage is received through the first voltage supply pin, the second supply voltage through the second voltage supply pin is absent, and the CMD0 command is received through the command pin from the host. 8-37. (canceled) 